American Express Blue Cash: A Rebate Credit Card By Any Other Name Cannot Be Sweeter
By: Devin Gilliland
A rose may be a rose by any name, but when it comes to cash rebate cards, a cash back credit card is not a cash back credit card, at all. They differ widely in just about every conceivable way: Some are bland and uninteresting, some are completely overpriced and some have prickly thorns hidden in the rich green foliage.There are a couple of things you simply have to ask yourself when shopping for cash rebate credit card:
• What is the APR on purchases?
• What is the annual fee?
• Are there any introductory offers?
• What is the balance transfer rate?
• What are the restrictions on the cash rebates:
o Is there a hurdle to entry?
o Is there a ceiling?
o Is there a limitation on where I have to shop to earn cash back rewards?
o Will my earnings reduce when I reach a specific point?
• Are there any ancillary benefits associated with the card?
When you start asking these questions, don’t be too surprised if the American Express Blue Cash credit card comes up either ahead of the pack or, at the very least, in the leading group. This credit card company has been working hard to ensure that holders of their American Express Blue Cash credit card receive the best of the best, and then some.
American Express Blue Cash Reward Categories
The cash back rewards offered through the American Express Blue Cash credit card is generous. Like its competitors, the American Express Blue Cash credit card differentiates between purchase types: Everyday Purchases and Other Purchases. Everyday Purchases encompass those purchases you make with your American Express Blue Cash credit card at supermarkets, gas stations and drugstores. Other Purchases cover pretty much everything else.
Unlike many of its competitors, the American Express Blue Cash credit card offers cash rebates in both of their purchase categories: In the Everyday Purchases category, you receive up to 5% bonus cash back when you swipe your American Express Blue Cash credit card and in the Other Purchases category, your receive up to 1.5% per transaction. There is no such thing as a minimum spending requirement and there is no such thing as a maximum earnings ceiling. You earn from day one, even on certain bill payments. The only exclusion is cash and cash related transactions.
American Express Blue Cash Reward Structure
The American Express Blue Cash rebate is calculated on an annual basis. If you spend $6,500 or less per year, the rates will be 1% for Everyday Purchases and 0.5% for Other Purchases. If you spend more than $6500 per year, your rebate will be 5% for Everyday Purchases and 1.5% on Other Purchases.
American Express Blue Cash Salient Features in a nutshell
• The American Express Blue Cash credit card charges no annual fee. It offers a 6-month 0% introductory APR on purchases, an ongoing purchase APR of 13.24%, and a balance transfer rate of 4.99% for the life of the balance transferred to your American Express Blue Cash credit card.
• As a holder of the American Express Blue Cash credit card, you also gain access to special travel related offers, discounts on a variety of branded merchandise, insurance, fraud protection, the 24/7 Global Assist program and Buyer’s protection, amongst others.
About: Devin Gilliland Provides Expert opinions and reviews to help you Compare American Express Credit Cards - Search American Express Blue Cash with Credit-Wisdom.com - Unraveling the best in Credit Cards. Source: Www.isnare.com
Small Business Credit Cards - The Advantages Of Paying Business Expenses With Credit Cards
By: Woody Alpern
Does it make sense for a business owner to use small business credit cards? You bet it does! There are numerous advantages to paying virtually all business expenses with a credit card. Let's examine a few of these advantages.Better Terms
Sometimes in business, you have to spend money to make money, and this can mean putting up cash on the front-end before you see any returns. Your options are limited - you can pay the money now in cash, pay with a credit card, or, if available, choose a net 30 term of payment.
Most small business credit cards offer a better interest rate and have fewer annual fee charges than individual cards. Credit card companies typically see a more reliable payment history for businesses than they do with individual consumers, so they give these business cards a lower interest rate. And, with the credit card market becoming more and more competitive, companies are lowering, and, in many cases, eliminating the annual fee.
This makes paying expenses with a credit card an attractive way to regulate cash flow. You keep your cash on-hand and can pay the bill off on your own schedule for relatively little additional cost.
Rewards
Many business-oriented credit cards also offer very attractive rewards programs that include cash-back incentives, airplane miles, gifts, and complimentary services. Some cards also offer savings from specific retailers simply by using the credit card to make the purchase. Why not pay all business expenses with a credit card and take advantage of these free rewards?
Many cards, such as the American Express Platinum Card, give the cardholder free membership into various airline clubs. This comes in handy for the traveling businessman. Airline clubs give the cardholder a nice private club atmosphere in nearly every airport that offers free wireless internet access, phone services, food and beverage, and a quiet place to relax.
Another benefit most cards offer their members is a concierge service that will assist you with getting restaurant reservations, tickets to concerts and sporting events, and many other services that can be useful for a small business owner. Some cards even offer free automobile and travel emergency services as well as free travel insurance.
Ease of Banking
Many small business credit cards offer free online reporting. This allows the business owner to pay their credit card bill, monitor expenses instantaneously, and review statement charges anytime online. Most cards can also classify the charges by business-related categories on a quarterly and year-end summary statement. This is very useful for the small business owner in preparing the company tax return as well as having a great snap shot view of seeing where and how the company is spending its money.
Consumer Protection
When it comes to business expenses, credit cards offer the same protection as for the individual consumer. This is an often-overlooked advantage of having a small business credit card. Paying business expenses with a credit card for gives the owner protection against fraudulent charges and, in many cases, an extended warranty over and above the manufacturer's normal warranty. Also, in the event you pay for something where there is fraud involved, the credit card company will protect you and reverse these charges, putting the burden of proof on the vendor.
Conclusion
Using small business credit cards to pay business expenses offers added security, convenience, and attractive rewards - financial and otherwise. And, they allow you to receive added financial incentives while regulating cash flow to meet the ebbs and flows of your business. With the growing market for business credit cards, you are sure to find an attractive credit card option that offers quality payment terms and fits in with your business needs.
About: Woody Alpern, CPA, is the founder and creator of MyCreditCard.com, an online service that lets you compare credit cards and choose the best fit for you. He is the co-founder of both Capital Investment Advisors and Capital Benefits Administration, Inc.. He is also a partner in both firms. In addition, he serves as CEO of real estate investment company Roswell Holdings, LLC. A graduate of the University of South Carolina with both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in accounting, Alpern spent several years in the tax division of the accounting firm Touche Ross (now Deloitte & Touche) before partnering with Michael Reiner to found his own businesses. Source: Ezinearticles.com
